Downing looks for killer instinct

Stewart Downing was left with mixed emotions after West Ham United were held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.

The former Villa man was pleased with another solid display from the Hammers, yet disappointed that they could not force the breakthrough at the other end.

It meant that a sixth clean sheet of the season did not yield the full reward it could have, but Downing is confident Sam Allardyce's men will soon start to fire.

"The good thing is we didn't lose the game, we got another point out of it and kept a clean sheet," he said.

"We got a lot of balls into the box, but they are good headers of the ball and we didn't get the luck with how they dropped.

"Carlton Cole is getting fully fit, Joe Cole was back on Saturday, the bodies are coming back in terms of the attacking players. We're defending well and we just need to put the ball in the back of the net.

"We created chances, but we didn't have that clinical touch in finishing them. The goals have got to come from around the team, and hopefully that'll happen for us next week.

"We'll keep plugging away - we're playing well but not getting the rewards."

On a personal note Downing is loving life at the Boleyn Ground and cannot wait for Saturday's fixture at Norwich City.

He added: "I'm really enjoying my football. There was a little bit of an injury at the start, but I'm happy and it has been a good move for me.

"The manager is great to play for and the only thing missing is getting a few wins."